As a 'trauma informed care agency', A Community For Peace believes in creating an environment, programming and service delivery in a manner that addresses the life span of trauma and effects our understanding of how the trauma of domestic violence/family violence and sexual assault affects the whole life experience of the people: individuals, children and families we serve. ACFP provides prevention activities and programs that seek to mitigate and eliminate the impact of trauma and violence by reducing/eliminating repeat violent relationships for first time victims and for victims with two or more abusive relationships. Intervening in the inter-generational cycle for kids exposed to domestic violence and family violence. Educating, advocating and engaging skill training for teen girls/young adults in the prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence. To engage our local community as our partners in peace to actively intervene, when safe and applicable on any form of violence between individuals, anywhere.

Unrestricted funds to meet the service mission of our innovative programs, such as DVRT first Response, For Kids Sake trauma informed care for children exposed to domestic violence; Smart and Strong, a sexual assault prevention program for young girls and adult survivors of domestic violence - approximately $75,000, for salary assistance and program expenses, Volunteer advocates for both direct crisis services and children's services; and support advocates for indirect support of the organization; event planners and board members, for both our organization and our foundation, a vehicle to transport clients to and from services, safe house, court appointments, and doctor appointments, etc. Printed materials as in forms and brochures, Legal fees and assistance.Our top needs:

Funding: Program - Seeking program funding for legal services and assistance for clients in cases of restraining orders and temporary restraining orders

A Community for Peace provides victims and survivors with a safe and sacred space to connect to information, resources, education, support and understanding that comes from those who have walked in her or his shoes. We offer an opportunity to end isolation and shame and the fear of being judged or not understood. We know that it is difficult to leave someone you love who also hurts you. We know that it hurts children to witness what happens. We know the fear and guilt of feeling trapped. And we know that it will not get better by waiting. I affirm the courage, strength and perseverance within every survivor to take the first step AND I also affirm that you do not have to do this alone. At ACFP, we care because most of us have been there; and the rest of us have witnessed the suffering of our loved ones, friends, neighbors and co-workers.From our "insider's' perspective, we want to ensure that there is a clear understanding of how violence and abuse affects victims and how we can best negotiate our way out of fear and violence into peace and harmony. For those of you who are our community partners, allies, advocates and funders, we are grateful for your partnership in joining this movement of social change and peace. We cannot stand by and allow abuse and violence to continue to be our everyday experience. Domestic violence is a social illness that is experienced personally and that each of us can be both part of the problem and part of the solution. It will take all of us to do our part to help all of our families trapped in the epidemic of violence and abuse. No matter who you are ? no matter where you are ? no matter what you have done or what has been done to you? there is hope for a better tomorrow. At A Community For Peace - YOU MATTER AND YOU ARE UNDERSTOOD!